New targeted treatment of infertility in men with reduced insulin sensitivity 

One in ten men with fertility problems has reduced insulin sensitivity, a condition that directly lowers sperm quality and impairs fertility. In addition to its known effects on blood sugar regulation and inflammation, insulin resistance is now recognized as a key factor in male reproductive health. Despite this, most male infertility cases are currently treated indirectly – by subjecting the female partner to assisted reproduction rather than addressing the root cause in men.

Objective

This project aims to revolutionize male fertility treatment by introducing targeted therapy for reduced insulin sensitivity and inflammation, using medications that are already employed in other medical contexts.

Instead of bypassing male infertility through artificial insemination, this approach directly targets the biological dysfunctions affecting sperm production. 

A unique tool has already been developed to define the patient group eligible for this treatment. The next step involves a proof-of-concept clinical study, with male participants recruited from the RUBIC biobank in both Denmark and Sweden. Following successful trials, collaborations with pharmaceutical companies will be established to scale up studies, potentially leading to new drug developments for male infertility treatment.

Potential Impact

• • Reduction in the need for burdensome treatments for female partners when the underlying cause is male infertility.
  • Improvement of long-term health outcomes for men by addressing metabolic and inflammatory disorders linked to poor fertility.

By shifting the focus toward treating male infertility at its root cause, this project paves the way for a major breakthrough in reproductive medicine, ensuring that men receive personalized, effective treatments rather than relying solely on female-targeted interventions.